Social Realism Themes Explored - Class & Status

Class and status is a popular theme to use in Social Realism films, as it is a constant source of conflict in many different social environments - From conflict between different towns to conflict between different countries.

A Social Realism film would explore this divide, and will often show at least two characters (one from each side) joining together. This highlights this particular social issue with the audience, and shows an example of cooperation, suggesting it is possible.


In the following clip from In Time (2011), the character of Henry Hamilton (played by Matt Bomer) is from one of the richer zones. In this movie, the setting is a world where time literally is money. Once a character runs out of time, they die. I chose this clip as it is the scene in which Henry Hamilton explains to Will Salas (played by Justin Timberlake), who has just saved his life, that there is a harsh reality to the divide between the classes in their existence. I believe this clip highlights the social issue of class and status using an abstract, non-fiction universe to provide more understanding.